Shea butter is an ivory-colored fat derived from the nuts of the shea tree and is used in cosmetics. When it comes to cosmetics, it is commonly used as a moisturizer, and it is occasionally utilized in the chocolate industry as a substitute for cocoa butter.
The use of Shea butter for hair has grown in popularity in recent years, owing to the rising desire for more natural products for people with curly hair, particularly those with black hair. It has only become popular in the western world recently, but it has been used in parts of Africa for hundreds of years!
The unprocessed variety of shea butter is the best to use because all of its therapeutic benefits are still present. Aside from the addition of various chemicals to the shea butter, the refining process boosts the temperature to approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit, causing some of the therapeutic capabilities to be destroyed. Blocks of unrefined shea butter are available for purchase, or they can be purchased fully packaged in jars. If it is 100 percent pure, it has no odor, although it can be purchased already fragranced with essential oils.
It can be applied to the hair in a number of different ways.
- Apply it directly to damp hair if you want to save time. The oil has a tendency to be a little hard in its natural condition, but when it comes into contact with the skin or hair, it will simply melt and be absorbed.
- Make shea butter simpler to apply by blending it with a little water. Melt the shea butter in a double boiler over low heat until it is completely melted. Stir in a natural oil, such as extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil, until the shea butter is completely incorporated into the oil. The natural oil should account for around one-fourth of the total volume of the shea butter. Fill the container with the mixture once more. Because of the olive oil, the shea butter will stay soft even after it has completely cooled and set. This makes it easier to apply to the hair after it has been completely chilled and set.
- Other uses for shea butter include whipping it up with a few other natural ingredients and essential oils to create a homemade butter. The following is a straightforward recipe.
Shea butter crème is a luxurious treat.
- 4 tablespoons of shea butter (optional)
- 2 tablespoons (optional) cocoa butter
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (optional)
- In order to add scent, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
Add the olive oil to the shea butter and cocoa butter in a double boiler over low heat until they are completely melted. Pour the oils into a mixing bowl and, at this point, add a few drops of the essential oil to give the mixture a fragrant scent. Place your bowl over a second bowl packed with ice to assist the oils in setting more quickly and evenly. Whisk the mixture vigorously until it is light and fluffy (you may wish to use an electric hand whisk for this step if you have one). Fill a jar with the mixture and set it aside.
This recipe provides a fantastic hair moisturizer and sealant for both natural and relaxed black hair, and it’s simple to make. It’s also a fantastic body butter substitute!
